Man to Man: Episode #1 [VIDEO]

Brett

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Man to Man: Episode #1 [VIDEO]

I get emails every day from men all over the world asking questions and seeking advice. Some of these men are looking for answers to some really serious problems like handling a divorce or getting over a job loss. Others just want to know where they can get a safety razor or recommendations on a workout plan. I’ll even get really random questions like whether you should wear a monocle on a first date. (Answer: No, unless you’re going to a murder mystery dinner.) I try to answer these questions to the best of my ability. I really want to be as helpful as possible to you all.

Today I want to try something new with answering these questions. Instead of answering them via email, I thought it would be interesting and useful to answer some of these questions in a public forum for two reasons:

1) I’m sure a lot of you out there have the same or similar questions and would find the advice or answer useful.

2) I’m not an expert on this whole manliness thing. I’m learning and improving myself right along with you all. I know that a lot of you out there might have better insights and advice to offer these readers than I do. I want to take advantage of the AoM community’s collective wisdom and experiences to answer these questions, so answering the questions in public will give you a chance to chime in and help a fellow man.

I decided to go with a video format mainly because it’s something different, and it will keep things interesting on the blog. If you want your question answered on Man to Man, just ask me a question using the contact form. It can be about anything. From the serious to the trivial. And don’t worry. We’ll edit out any personal details in order to maintain your privacy.

With that said, let’s get started with the first episode of Man to Man. Enjoy!

Man to Man Episode #1

In this week’s episode, Seth from Tacoma, WA writes:

Dear Art of Manliness,

I’m 33 years old, married, and I have one kid, and I work at a great job. My life is fantastic and is packed with lots of great stuff, yet I’ve been feeling numb and like I’m sleeping walking through life. What can I do to feel more present in my day to day life?

I want to thank Seth for being the guinea pig for our inaugural Man to Man episode. Thanks, Seth!

My Response

I’ve been in the same boat as Seth. I’ve had moments in my life where I’ve been so busy that I felt sort of detached from reality. What worked for me was making time in my schedule for some quiet contemplation and meditation. So I started waking up earlier– about 5:30AM- for 30 minutes of meditation. I light an oil lamp on my desk and just zone out on the flame. My goal is to just clear my thoughts as much as possible. In addition to meditating, I’ll use the time to think about my goals, my life’s purpose, and my relationships with my friends and family.

After a few weeks of this practice, I started feeling much more grounded and present in my life. If you feel detached from life. I highly recommend giving some manly contemplation a try.

What do you think?

I know there has to be lots of you out there who’ve felt the same way as Seth. What have you done in your life to feel more grounded and present? What advice would you give him?

Please keep your comments uplifting and edifying. I want Man to Man to be an edifying forum where men can feel safe asking and answering these questions.

If you have a question you’d like answered on Man to Man, just shoot me an email via this contact form. Remember, it can be about anything!